Mr Potato Head

Mr Potato Head, made in Hong Kong about 1960. Museum no. Misc.124-1980. (click image for larger version)

Mr. Potato Head  was the invention of George Lerner and was launched in 1952 by the toy company, Hasbro. The original Mr. Potato Head contained only parts, such as eyes, ears, noses and mouths, and parents had to supply their children with real potatoes. Although the toy was called Mr Potato Head, it was suggested that any fruit or vegetable could be used. In 1964, a hard plastic potato 'body' was included, replacing the need for a real potato.

Over the next three decades, a variety of Mr. Potato Head products were sold including a Mrs Potato Head, and two children, Brother Spud and Sister Yam. In the 1970s the pieces grew in size in order to comply with toy safety regulations. In 1987 Mr Potato Head had to lose his pipe because of pressure from the anti-smoking campaign.

Mr Potato Head made an appearance in the 1995 film Toy Story which sparked new interest in the toy. Mr Potato Head is still produced today by Hasbro and is marketed as a creative toy for young children. There are even Star Wars Potato Heads - Darth Tater, Artoo-Potatoo  and Spud Trooper.

This Mr Potato Head is the British version made by Peter Pan Toys and it does have  the hard 'body'. Its parts include the usual eyes, ears and mouth and it also has feet, arms and hands as well as spectacles, hats, moustaches and a pipe. As this is a sailing set, there is also a car and a boat.